Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson
I can explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson
I can explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson, highlighting the tension between his curiosity and wilful ignorance
- The word 'Case' in the title links to Utterson's legal profession, yet he is more concerned with reputation than justice
- Stevenson makes us question whether Utterson remains friends with 'downgoing' men out of loyalty or repressed desires
- Chapter 2 is key to understanding Utterson, as he is driven by curiosity to pursue Hyde as 'Mr Seek'
- Chapters 1 and 7 are significant as Utterson chooses to ignore the signs of Jekyll's distress to protect his reputation
Keywords
Focalised - Focalised refers to the perspective from which the story is told. In 'Jekyll & Hyde' the first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson.
Third person limited - A third-person limited narrative structure is where a story is told from the perspective of one protagonist. We only see their thoughts.
Repression - Repression refers to the restraint, prevention or inhibition of a feeling or quality.
Justice - Justice concerns just behaviour or treatment.
Loyalty - If you are showing a strong feeling of support or allegiance then you are showing loyalty
Common misconception
Mr. Utterson is an example of a respectable, Victorian gentleman.
The reality is more complex. Utterson seems more concerned with protecting the reputation of Jekyll than pursuing any real justice.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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